Archive for the ‘Skin Conditions and Diseases’ Category

Psoriasis Cure - How to Cure Psoriasis Naturally

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Psoriasis is a skin condition that is chronic in nature and is characterized by inflamed skin by way of red patches which appear scaly and are itchy. This skin condition is often triggered by allergens and other environmental factors. There is no permanent cure for psoriasis. However, the people who suffer from it are required to control their triggers.

Natural Cures for Psoriasis

There are some natural psoriasis cures (or remedies rather), that help control the inflammation of the skin. Natural cures for psoriasis won’t necessarily cure it but as it will avoid a flare up, it is generally referred to as a cure. ‘How to cure psoriasis?’ is a question that is very often asked. Psorasis cure could be sought through various means. One of the best ways is by using a natural methods for psoriasis cure.

•    An Epsom salt bath is very effective in treating skin irritation. Moisturizing with olive oil after these baths can be very beneficial. Sea water baths or application of sea water on the affected areas is also known to help.

•    Another home remedy is a cup full of bitter gourd juice with lemon to be taken daily. It is believed to stop inflammation of the affected areas. Mudpacks are also very good for psoriasis. Vitamin E and soft sunlight also work very well for psoriasis. Aloe vera, a plant known for anti inflammation properties, provides great relief from inflammations and flare ups due to psoriasis.

•    A mix of wheat germ oil and castor oil is known to provide relief immediately. Calendula oil mixed with some base oil is also known to help in psoriasis cure. Oil from cashew nuts or cashew oil is also known to give relief. Marigold, the flower, is also known to provide relief in the case of psoriasis. You can boil a few marigold heads in water. Cool this water and apply on the affected areas. It will reduce the inflammation. Cabbage leaves used in compresses are also known to provide relief.

•    Avocado is a rich fruit chock full of nutrients and even makes a great natural moisturizer. In the case of natural psoriasis, avocado oil is very good. Application of a little oil helps reduce the itchiness and irritation that results from skin inflammation.

•    Eating fruits and vegetables that have a cleansing ability can also help avoid the flare ups in cases of this skin ailment. Vegetables like carrots, beetroots and cucumbers have a good effect and help in preventing the flare-ups in the case of psoriasis. Avoiding junk food, processed food and dairy products in some cases has been known to help. It is also important to keep a natural and positive outlook as it can make a big difference in the flare up of the disease.

Urticaria Treatment: Causes and Symptoms

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Urticaria is also referred to as hives. It is a skin rash which appears in the form of raised, red bumps. This condition can be acute or chronic. Acute cases usually disappear in about six weeks. Chronic cases on the other hand persist for a longer period of time. Urticaria can occur on any part of the body.

Causes of Urticaria

The causes of urticaria include allergic and non-allergic factors. The hives develop when the mast cells release a substance known as histamine. This causes the superficial blood vessels to seep fluid. Urticaria can also result from sensitive reactions to certain types of foods. Insect bites and intake of medications can also contribute to urticaria. The exact causes of non-allergic urticaria are not known for sure. Underlying autoimmune conditions may be responsible for urticaria in some individuals. Urticaria pigmentose, another type of urticaria is caused when there is an excessive amount of mast cells in the cell. Irritation of the skin can lead to development of hives and rash in the affected area.Other causes of urticaria include viral infections such as cold and stomach infections. Exposure to cold weather, excessive sunlight and stress can also lead to urticaria.

Urticaria Symptoms

In addition to appearance of rash or hives, certain other urticaria symptoms are also known to occur. Redness of the skin, burning and itching may be experienced by people with urticaria. The hives may also change in size and shape before they disappear completely. A condition known as angiodema may also occur. This leads to painful swelling around the mouth, eyelids and lips.

Urticaria Treatment

Urticaria can be of different types and some individuals may also suffer from more than one type. Therefore urticaria treatment may sometimes be challenging. It is necessary to identify the condition properly so that appropriate urticaria treatment can be given. Medications are known to be helpful in controlling the symptoms. Antihistamine drugs are usually used in urticaria treatment. To manage urticaria, one must also pay attention to the diet. Avoid eating foods that are not digested properly. Salt is known to be beneficial for individuals with urticaria associated with digestive problems. Salt may be added to water and consumed for relief. Itching caused by urticaria can be alleviated by applying a solution of vinegar and rose water to the affected areas. Turmeric also helps to reduce the symptoms caused by urticaria. Add a couple of teaspoons of turmeric powder to water and consume regularly.

How to Get Rid of Prickly Heat

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

What is Prickly Heat?

Prickly heat, also known as a heat rash or miliaria is a common condition that is seen mainly in infants and babies. However, adults too, can suffer from prickly heat, especially if the weather is hot and humid. This is because the skin tends to release sweat in the heat, because of which the pores and ducts get blocked, thereby trapping some of the perspiration just under the skin. Hence, a prickly heat is usually accompanied by a prickly feeling and intense itchiness. Although this problem can lead to a lot of discomfort, in most instances, prickly heat is not serious and gets cured on its own, without any prickly heat treatment being required.

Causes of Prickly Heat Rash

There are many factors that could lead to the formation of a prickly heat rash, in children as well as adults. Some of the most common causes of a prickly heat rash are:

•    Application of heavy creams and ointments
•    Contact with certain fabrics and material
•    High levels of physical activity
•    Sweat ducts that are not fully mature
•    The use of certain medicines and drugs
•    Tropical, i.e. hot and humid climates

Though it is rare, it is also possible for lack of adequate hygienic measure to be one of the causes of prickly heat rash, in children as well as adults.

Prickly Heat Cure

The best way to prevent a rash on the skin is by avoiding factors and situations that lead to sweating. Hence, people should spend time in a cool environment as far as possible. However, this may not always be possible for all people and therefore, the next best thing to do, is to wear light and comfortable clothing, preferably made out of cotton. Doctors advise their patients to apply certain topical over the counter lotions to help sooth a prickly heat rash. Some of these topical lotions include calamine lotion, topical steroids and anhydrous lanolin. An effective prickly heat cure would only mean that one takes the necessary precaution to curbing the growth of the condition.

Home Remedies for Prickly Heat Treatment

There are several home remedies for prickly heat that could be used as a part of the prickly heat treatment. People are usually advised to allow the skin to air dry instead of using a towel after a shower. In addition to that, it is best to keep the skin cool and dry, with the help of ice and mild powder. Drinking a high amount of water will also help in clearing up a rash faster. The condition is known to heal faster, if the affected individual follows proper hygiene.

Natural Home Remedies for Psoriasis Treatment

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Psoriasis is a skin disorder which affects the scalp. It may also spread to other areas of the body such as the elbows, neck, ears, knees and groin. There are a number of symptoms associated with psoriasis such as redness, flaking and itchiness. Psoriasis is non-contagious and can be either mild or chronic.

Causes of Psoriasis

The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown. There are, however, various genetic and environmental factors that are known to be the causes of psoriasis. In many cases, psoriasis is found to run in families and hereditary is known to be one of the major causes of psoriasis. The immune system may also play a part in this condition. A certain type of white blood cells called T cells are known to cause inflammation of the skin in people affected with psoriasis. These cells also trigger faster growth of skin cells which then accumulate in patches on the skin surface.

There are also certain factors which are seen to contribute to psoriasis in many cases. Skin injury, infection or inflammation can contribute to psoriasis. Exposure to sunlight can also worsen symptoms of psoriasis. Certain types of bacterial infections are known to trigger psoriasis and this manifests itself in the form of tiny red spots on the skin. Other factors involved in psoriasis include HIV infection and intake of certain medications. In addition, smoking, alcohol consumption, hormonal changes and stress are also seen as risk factors for psoriasis.

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis treatment depends upon the severity of the condition and the type of disease. In case of mild cases, topical lotions, sprays and creams are known to be effective. Severe cases can be treated with pills or injections.
Many individuals also opt for natural psoriasis treatment. This involves the use of home remedies made with natural and easily available ingredients.

•    Home remedies for psoriasis include application of warm coconut oil on the affected areas. This may be applied to the skin 30 minutes before a bath.

•    Dead Sea salts are also known to help in treating this condition. The salts may be added to lukewarm bath water.

•    The juice of lemon and bitter gourd is another popular remedy for psoriasis. This juice may be consumed daily in the mornings.

•    A mixture of tea tree oil and olive oil can also be used to alleviate psoriasis. It helps to soothe the skin and also reduces dryness.

•    Intake of garlic through the daily diet is helpful in boosting immunity and preventing the body from further infection.

•    Intake of vitamin E is also known to help in treating psoriasis.

How to Treat Facial Eczema

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Eczema is also referred to as dermatitis. It is a skin problem that can occur on any area of the body such as the face, chest, hands, legs and back. Facial eczema can be quite an unattractive condition. It could lead to feelings of self consciousness. Here is some information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this condition.

Facial Eczema Causes, Symptoms

Facial eczema is similar to other types of eczema. The exact causes of facial eczema are not known for certain. However there are certain factors which may contribute to the occurrence of eczema. Some of these factors include allergies, stress, dry climate, hormonal imbalances and pollution. There is also a genetic link associated with eczema. Individuals whose parents have had eczema have a high chance of developing the condition in childhood or later on in life. Seborrheic eczema and atopic eczema are the common types of eczema which affect the facial area. Certain parts of the face are more vulnerable to eczema. These include the areas around the eyes, eyelids, nose and cheeks. Facial eczema symptoms include redness, inflammation, itching and irritation. Due to the itchiness caused by eczema, the individual may begin to scratch the area constantly. This could lead to hardening of the skin. In some cases, blisters filled with fluid may form on the skin. These blisters rupture and drain after a few days.

Natural Remedies for Facial Eczema Treatment

It is important to consult a doctor for facial eczema treatment. This is because the face is an extremely sensitive area and only the correct treatment should be used. In case of atopic eczema, the symptoms must be managed through treatment. There are many products available for treating facial eczema. One can also make use of natural treatments as these carry a lower risk of side effects.

•    One of the most beneficial natural facial eczema remedies includes application of jojoba oil. This non-greasy oil is very nourishing for the skin.

•    The irritation and itching caused by eczema can also be alleviated by applying coconut oil.

•    Olive oil and castor oil can also be used to heal and soothe the skin.

It is important to drink plenty of water so that the body is cleansed and free of toxins. Irritation resulting from facial eczema can also be eased by placing cold compresses on the affected skin. It helps to keep a humidifier in the home so that the skin does not dry out. Steam helps to open the pores and hydrate the skin.

Natural Rosacea Treatment - How To Treat Rosacea naturally

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Symptoms of Rosacea

Rosacea is skin irritation that is chronic in nature and can occur in the ‘T zone’ on your face. Sometimes the infection spreads across the cheeks, and in rare cases, can even appear on arms or legs. Rosacea can be painful and often is also the cause for embarrassment to the affected person. It starts as an increased blush on the face, going to persistent redness on the nose, chin and forehead. The blood vessels on the nose become prominent and in different triggers like alcohol or the sun, pimples could also develop, making it a very painful condition. These are the symptoms of rosacea. It is sometimes mistaken for adult acne, but that is not the case. Rosacea does not cause blackheads or whiteheads.

There are different types of rosacea. Each symptom of rosacea is also considered one type of the disease.  There are no apparent causes of rosacea. It is known to develop in people who have a tendency to blush. One of the earliest symptoms of a prolonged redness is often mistaken for sunburn. Symptoms diagnosed in time can help this condition properly. People prone to such symptoms should avoid flush-providing foods like hot beverages, spicy food, alcohol, and hot meals. Such people should be diligent about the application of sunscreen.

Natural Treatments for Rosacea

There are different natural treatments for rosacea. Increasing your blood circulation can help rosacea. Balancing your hormones and finally building a sturdy immune system. Patients of rosacea can also ingest vitamins to improve their immunity. Vitamin B, vitamin C and beta carotene all help the body fight this condition. All these factors help detoxify the body and enable it to fight the condition of rosacea better.
You can even use oils like primrose oil, flaxseed oil, borage oil and tea tree oil. These oils help to reduce the inflammation, scaliness, dryness and itching on the infected areas. Fresh aloe vera gel also helps to hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation.  Having apple cider vinegar orally is often used as a remedy for rosacea. Consumption of zinc also benefits the body and can boost immunity. But check with your doctor before consuming zinc.

Chamomile is another herbal remedy that helps in rosacea. Create a concoction of chamomile and water. Cool it in the fridge. Then apply a cold compress of this solution of the affected area. It has been known to reduce inflammation and itchiness. Turmeric mixed with water also calms the infected areas.

Vitiligo Treatment Cure And Prevention

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Vitiligo

Vitiligo refers to a skin condition that is characterized by white patches on the skin. These patches are the result of de-pigmentation. The disorder arises due to disrupted functioning or destruction of the skin cells known as melanocytes. The melanocytes are responsible for producing the pigment called melanin which gives color to the skin, hair and eyes of an individual. Vitiligo can be either segmental or non-segmental. Segmental vitiligo is known to spread quickly and affects teenagers more commonly. Non-segmental vitiligo is known to occur in a symmetrical pattern and usually affects larger parts of the body. It can also occur at any age. Vitiligo universalis is known to spread across large regions of the skin.

The most prominent symptom of vitiligo is appearance of white patches on the body. It generally develops on the areas of the skin which are exposed to the sun such as the face, hands and feet. The hair growing on the affected parts of the skin may also turn white. In some cases, vitiligo could also occur on the scalp and lead to de-pigmented bald patches. In some cases, the white patches may stop spreading without treatment. However in other cases, the disorder may continue to affect large areas in a short amount of time. The exact cause of this condition has not been determined till date. It may be the result of an interplay between various factors such as immunity problems, genetics and environmental influences. Vitiligo is also known to be linked with thyroid complications.

Treatment for vitiligo is focused on restricting the symptoms and spread of the disorder. In order to diagnose the condition, a biopsy of the affected area may be done. Treatment options for vitiligo include medication and surgery. In mild cases, re-pigmentation of the affected skin is carried out through administration of corticosteroids. This is known to be beneficial in treating the disease in its early stages.

Home Remedies for Vitiligo

There are also some home remedies for vitiligo.

•    Wild duckweed is known to be effective in treating this condition. It may be rubbed over the affected areas 3 to 5 times every day.

•    Ginger juice can also be used to treat vitiligo. The juice may even be mixed with red clay for best results. Red clay is high in copper content and this is known to help in restoring the skin pigmentation. The fear of the condition leads many people to seek vitiligo prevention techniques.

Consumption of foods rich in vitamin A and B, copper, zinc and magnesium is known to help in vitiligo prevention.

How to Get Rid of Skin Tags

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Skin tags are basically skin colored, small bead like growths that hang from the body. These appear on the arms, upper chest and back area. Though this is not a serious condition it could be very embarrassing for the person with such skin tags. Sometimes blood clots and certain skin infections are what causes skin tags to form on the body. Getting rid of skin tags has to be done with great care so that it doesn’t give rise to any other kind of infection.

Getting Rid of Skin Tags

One of the most common ways on how to get rid of skin tags is by cutting them off. But then this has to be done with the utmost care and is best under supervision. To avoid serious infection make sure that you sterilize the instruments that is a pair of scissors or a scalpel that you intend using, even if you are using new instruments you have to sterilize them by cleaning them with spirit or iodine and then hold them over a flame of a candle or a fire. You can use nail clippers too but only after proper sterilization. Once the instrument is sterilized just gently snip off the tag at the point where it connects with the healthy skin. Though it will not be overly painful there might be a little bleeding so be sure that you use spirit or iodine to clean up the wound.

Cutting of the blood supply by tying it with a string is another way of getting rid of skin tags. All you need to do is to use a sterilized piece of string and tie up the skin tag as tightly as possible and leave it for a few days. As the blood supply to the tag gets stopped it will die and fall off.

Home Remedies for Skin Tags

Some home remedies for skin tags removal are to use apple cider vinegar. For this soak a wad of cotton in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the skin tag more than three times in a day. Keep repeating this till the skin tag eventually falls off. Another effective way is to use a slice of potato, cut a thin slice of potato and tie it over the skin tag and leave it there till the potato slice become black. At such a time the skin tag should be ready to fall off or else repeat it till it falls off. Make a paste out of castor oil and baking soda and apply this mixture on the tag till it dries up and falls off.

Treating Eczema in Babies

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

Eczema can be described as a condition, where the skin gets inflamed and turns itchy, scaly and dry. It is not a contagious condition, but it could lead to an infection, if the skin is scratched excessively. Eczema in babies can be quite a common problem and patches of eczema can infect the skin on almost any part of the baby’s body. In babies, the condition most commonly affects the face, belly, neck, and the skin behind the elbows and knees. Eczema in babies can cause them to feel some amount of discomfort. Fortunately, treating eczema in babies is not very difficult.

Natural Remedies for Eczema

Treating eczema is very important, as eczema in babies can rob their skin of moisture. Therefore, the most important aspect of treatment for eczema in babies includes keeping the affected part of the skin adequately moist and hydrated. Bathing the baby everyday may be best, but the water should not be too warm, as warm water dries the skin out further. Moreover, the soap used to bathe the baby should be very mild; soaps that contain perfumes and dyes should be strictly avoided. After bathing the baby, the skin should just be patted dry (not rubbed vigorously), before applying a thick layer of moisturizer, like natural Aloe Vera lotion. The ideal recommendation for applying the lotion is four or five times a day. There are a few other natural remedies for eczema in babies:

•    Giving the baby an oatmeal bath would help soothe the baby’s skin. Grind two cups of oatmeal into a fine powder and stir it to a running bath of lukewarm water. Allow the baby to soak in the water for about 15 minutes or so, before rinsing the baby’s skin with clean water. For severe cases of eczema in babies, oatmeal baths can also be given twice a day.
•    A natural skin wash can be prepared at home, using two cups of water, a teaspoon of comfrey root, a teaspoon of slippery elm bark and a teaspoon of white oak bark. All the ingredients need to be mixed well and boiled on a low flame, for about half an hour. After the mixture cools, it should be strained and the liquid should be saved and used, like any body wash or face wash.

In case the severity of eczema in babies does not reduce within a few weeks, or if the inflammation seems to worsen, it is best to consult a doctor. The doctor would prescribe a mild topical steroid, for treating eczema in babies. All instances of eczema in babies should be carefully monitored, especially for signs of infection.

Home Remedies for Hives Treatment

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Hives on Skin

The term hives is used to describe a skin condition where the skin is red and inflamed and may also be raised. Hives on skin could be caused by many different triggers. The area of skin affected by this condition will be itchy and this could cause considerable discomfort to the individual. Hives on skin are usually associated with allergic reactions. For this reason, one will experience this condition in the area of the body that has been exposed to the allergen. Hives are often a result of contact with substances that cause allergic reactions. Hives on skin could also occur as a result of food allergies. In this case, the allergy will affect some parts of the skin even if the food is not allergic. A person suffering from an infection may also have hives on skin. Hives are also a common symptom of excessive stress.

There are a few options that an individual can look to for hives treatment. In most cases, the condition sorts itself out. This is especially true of hives caused by an allergic reaction. If the individual avoids contact with the allergen, then the skin is likely to calm down on its own over a period of time. Because of the allergy relation of hives, most hives treatment is done using anti-histamine medication. Anti-histamines are used to calm the immune system and reduce a violent immune response. It should be understood that hives are the result of the immune system attacking a certain part of the body because of the exposure of that part to the allergen in question. This form of treatment for hives is often given before the allergy occurs and if the individual expects to come into contact with an allergen at some point.

Home Remedy for Hives

One may also seek a home remedy for hives simply because it is not always possible to visit a doctor the moment there is an outbreak of the condition.

  • The affected area could be treated with lacto calamine lotion which is used to cool the skin. This would reduce irritation and help in dealing with hives. It is common knowledge that a cool compress on the affected skin has a soothing effect.
  • One useful home remedy for hives is stress management. Often the appearance of the rash triggers a stressful reaction in the patient. The patient is likely to have less hives if he or she manages to relax. Stress produces cortisol which is a hormone that often aggravates an outbreak of hives.